Today's Ecommerce Pulse
Updated 44m agoAmazon automation offers semi‑passive income but demands disciplined oversight
Amazon automation can generate profitable, semi‑passive income in 2026, but success hinges on disciplined execution and seasoned oversight. Modern automation relies on advanced software for research, pricing, inventory and ad optimization, while strategic decisions remain human‑driven. Investors now expect transparent reporting, compliance and sustainability.
Also developing:
By the numbers: Edeka raises €430M to increase stake in Picnic
News•Feb 17, 2026
MECCHA Sets Up Pre-Orders for Japan Exclusives with Worldwide Shipping
MECCHA Japan has launched a pre‑order service that lets international fans purchase exclusive Japanese anime figures, trading‑card boosters, and themed merchandise with worldwide shipping. The catalog includes high‑profile items such as a 45 cm Monkey D. Luffy statue, a Final Fantasy VIII musical box, and limited‑edition TCG packs. Fast delivery and English‑language support aim to remove geographic barriers for collectors. The retailer promotes the offerings through X and Instagram, encouraging community engagement.
By DualShockers
News•Feb 16, 2026
How Retailers Should Respond to Events Like Ramadan and the Lunar New Year
Retailers face a rare calendar convergence as Ramadan and Lunar New Year begin almost simultaneously in February 2024. Luxury and beauty brands are launching limited‑edition products and pop‑up events, but many consumers criticize superficial zodiac imagery and token gestures. Experts...
By Inside Retail Australia
Blog•Feb 16, 2026
EBay Appoints VP of AI Transformation to Catch up in Agentic Race
eBay announced the appointment of Michelle Warvel as Vice President of AI Transformation, signaling a strategic push to accelerate its agentic AI capabilities. The marketplace is simultaneously launching a hiring campaign for specialized AI design and research roles while tightening...
By Shopifreaks
Blog•Feb 16, 2026
5 Shopify Personalization Tactics That Actually Move the Needle (With Real Test Data)
In this episode Julian Samarjiev of Convertibles shares five data‑backed Shopify personalization tactics that consistently add $6K‑$50K per month in incremental revenue for eight‑figure stores. He explains how matching offers to traffic source, placing social proof at checkout, using need‑based...
By eCommerce Fastlane
Blog•Feb 16, 2026
Ai Avatars For Shopify: How Smart Merchants Are Using Them To Sell More In 2026
The episode explains how Shopify merchants can leverage AI avatars to produce scalable, high‑quality product videos that boost conversion rates by up to 80% while cutting production costs to roughly 10% of traditional methods. It outlines five high‑impact use cases—product...
By eCommerce Fastlane
Blog•Feb 16, 2026
Cash Flow and Liquidity Are Not the Same Thing (and E-Commerce CFOs Keep Mixing Them Up)
In this episode Steve Hutt explains why e‑commerce CFOs often conflate cash flow— a backward‑looking snapshot of money in and out—with liquidity, the real‑time ability to meet unexpected obligations. He outlines a three‑layer framework—real‑time liquidity dashboards, rolling 13‑week cash‑flow forecasts,...
By eCommerce Fastlane
News•Feb 16, 2026
Automate, Augment, Simulate: How Retailers Are Building Resilient Supply Chains for 2026
Retail supply chains face chronic labor shortages, rising costs and heightened customer expectations, prompting a shift toward technology‑driven models. By 2026, automation will move from advantage to requirement, with feasibility assessments guiding investments in robotics and AI. Simultaneously, AI‑enabled workforce...
By Total Retail
News•Feb 16, 2026
Your Retail Media Network Isn’t a Network — and What to Do About It
Retail media is booming, but most so‑called retail media networks are merely on‑site ad products. True networks demand off‑site reach, unified cross‑channel measurement, and first‑party data activation, a capability only a few retailers like Walmart and Amazon currently possess. The...
By Total Retail
News•Feb 16, 2026
Let’s Be Straight on Deliveries
Online shoppers increasingly value reliable delivery dates, yet many experience shifting timelines and missed windows. A recent Avery Dennison survey shows 37% of consumers rank delivery delays as their top frustration, and 32% would abandon a favored brand after a single...
By DC Velocity
News•Feb 16, 2026
SiteOne Ramps up Digital Push as Online Sales Jump in 2025
SiteOne Landscape Supply reported a 120% jump in digital sales for 2025, boosting net income 23% to $151.8 million while overall revenue grew 4% to $4.7 billion. The company’s revamped e‑commerce platform attracted roughly 10,000 regular online users and integrated delivery‑optimization software,...
By Digital Commerce 360
News•Feb 16, 2026
OpenAI Expands Agentic Commerce Push
OpenAI is turning ChatGPT into a full‑service commerce platform by expanding its Instant Checkout feature and launching the open‑source Agentic Commerce Protocol (ACP). The company has integrated payments through Stripe and PayPal and added grocery ordering via Instacart, initially supporting...
By Digital Commerce 360
News•Feb 16, 2026
Vinted’s Rise Signals a Turning Point in Europe’s Circular Fashion Economy
Vinted has become the UK’s third‑largest fashion retailer, reporting €813.4 million in revenue for 2024—a 36 % jump from the prior year—and is on track to breach €1 billion. The platform now serves over 17.4 million UK users and leads in France by volume,...
By InternetRetailing
News•Feb 16, 2026
New Customs Rules for Imported Parcels
The EU Council approved new customs rules that will end the duty‑free exemption for parcels up to €150, imposing a flat €3 charge per item category starting July 1. Last year, 5.8 billion low‑cost e‑commerce parcels entered the bloc, a 26 % rise...
By Ecommerce News Europe
Social•Feb 16, 2026
Fractional Editorial Lead Enhances AI Content with Expert Insight
Someone just asked me what type of work I'm doing most these days and I explained it as this: I'm a fractional editorial lead of sorts right now: the point person who works closely with either a content engineer, in-house content...
By Kaleigh Moore
Social•Feb 16, 2026
Detailed Brand Kits Boost AI Output Quality
One thing I'm realizing as I get more in the weeds with @claudeai (+ now @AirOpsHQ) is how important things like detailed brand kits are if you want quality outputs. This week's newsletter is about how to make sure you're...
By Kaleigh Moore
News•Feb 16, 2026
QuicKart Secures $1.5 Million to Expand Fresh Commerce Across the UAE
QuicKart, the UAE’s first dedicated fresh‑commerce platform for dairy and farm produce, closed a $1.5 million seed round led by Orbit Ventures. The funding will be used to optimise supply‑chain logistics, upgrade technology, expand last‑mile fulfilment and cold‑chain infrastructure, and add...
By Wamda
Blog•Feb 16, 2026
Product Research for Shopify: A Proven System for Finding Print-on-Demand Bestsellers
After more than a decade in ecommerce, the author stresses that product selection, not design or platform, drives success for Shopify print‑on‑demand stores. He outlines a data‑centric workflow that starts with trend signals on TikTok and Etsy, validates demand across...
By Bootstrapping Ecommerce
Social•Feb 16, 2026
Senior Designer Wanted for Top DTC Brands
Easy Street Brands is looking to hire a senior designer for one of our portfolio brands. Looking for someone with experience designing website elements, landing pages and ads. Packaging design experience is a bonus. You must have 5+ years experience working with...
By Zach Stuck
Social•Feb 16, 2026
Focus on Buyer Intent, Not Follower Count
I know stores with 100k followers doing $10k/month. I know stores with 2k followers doing $200k/month. Followers aren't the metric. Buyer intent is. Build an audience that buys not one that likes.
By Kamil Sattar
Blog•Feb 16, 2026
15 Best Websites To Sell Old Stuff
The article lists the 15 top websites for selling used items, from broad marketplaces like eBay and Facebook Marketplace to niche platforms such as The RealReal and Ruby Lane. Each site is evaluated on its strengths—global reach, local convenience, specialty...
By Just Start Investing
Social•Feb 16, 2026
Amazon's High Capex-to-FCF Isn't New, Still Managed Well
Working on my $AMZN growth thesis report for this week, and just helpful to point out, that this high capex to FCF is not uncharted territory for Amazon. I get there is more competition this time than e-comm but they...
By Ben Bajarin
Social•Feb 16, 2026
Brands Autonomously Launch Free Gift Promos via Our App
Launched @promopartypro and a Hasbro brand found, installed, and started running free gift promos without us saying a word. That's the signal we love to see as app devs. They have the Battersea Transformers store running free gift with purchase...
By Kurt Elster
Blog•Feb 16, 2026
AI Influencer Pitches: How To Land Brand Deals Smarter In 2026
The episode explains that in 2026 influencer pitches must be performance‑focused, with brands demanding clear ROI rather than just creative enthusiasm. It outlines how AI tools like CreatorGPT assist creators by generating personalized, metrics‑rich drafts, allowing influencers to highlight relevant...
By eCommerce Fastlane
Social•Feb 16, 2026
Claude Code Automates Home Server, Now Wants Shopify Integration
i finally tried claude code and of course i'm claudepilled now. it made it adminstrator of our home server. it spend the weekend configuring a custom media server for me, and its perfect. how do i connect claude code to...
By Kurt Elster
News•Feb 16, 2026
International PPC: Why Consistency Is So Hard To Maintain via @Sejournal, @Brookeosmundson
International pay‑per‑click (PPC) programs become chaotic when brands expand across borders, juggling different languages, regulations, and agency partners. The article argues that consistency is the primary obstacle, not scaling, and outlines a framework that blends a global brand playbook with...
By Search Engine Journal
Podcast•Feb 16, 2026•0 min
E632: Amazon’s Stock Is Cratering – Here’s What Happened
In this episode Dave breaks down Amazon’s near‑10% stock plunge, contrasting it with an 8% e‑commerce growth rate and record‑high AWS revenue. He examines the factors behind the dip, including aggressive 2026 capital spending and investor skepticism about AI initiatives...
By EcomCrew
News•Feb 16, 2026
Access THG’s Cult Beauty and LOOKFANTASTIC Audience Through The Trade Desk
THG has struck a strategic partnership with advertising technology leader The Trade Desk, allowing media buyers to access THG’s Cult Beauty and LOOKFANTASTIC audience segments via The Trade Desk’s self‑serve Kokai platform. The integration brings high‑quality, real‑world commerce data to...
By ChannelX (formerly Tamebay)
News•Feb 16, 2026
TikTok Joins EASA to Advance Advertising Standards
TikTok has joined the European Advertising Standards Alliance (EASA) as a full digital member, aligning with 28 self‑regulatory bodies across Europe. The move underscores the platform’s push for responsible advertising, complementing its expanded TikTok Safety Suite and clear commercial‑disclosure settings....
By ChannelX (formerly Tamebay)
News•Feb 16, 2026
Are Social Sellers Missing an Important Piece of the Data Puzzle?
Social commerce now accounts for roughly 20% of Southeast Asia’s online spending, a surge accelerated by the pandemic. iKala’s research shows that revenue per order on social channels jumped 88%, indicating not just higher volume but larger baskets. While new...
By e27
News•Feb 16, 2026
Binance Rolls Out Mastercard Crypto Card Across CIS
Binance has launched a Mastercard‑branded crypto debit card in the CIS region, allowing users to spend digital assets at any merchant that accepts Mastercard. The card supports instant conversion of major cryptocurrencies into fiat, with zero‑fee withdrawals and a 5%...
By PaySpace Magazine
News•Feb 16, 2026
Amazon Deemed Seller VAT Fraud Reform Would Raise Tax Revenues and Tackle Fraud
UK policymakers are considering extending the VAT deemed‑seller rules to cover both overseas and domestic sellers on online marketplaces. Amazon argues that the change would close a loophole exploited by fraudulent sellers, streamline VAT collection and generate roughly £700 million in...
By ChannelX (formerly Tamebay)
News•Feb 16, 2026
Firms Report Improved Financial Performance Linked to Use of Embedded Finance
A new PYMNTS Intelligence study of 515 senior leaders shows embedded finance is now a strategic imperative for mid‑size and large firms. Nearly 90% of respondents prioritize strengthening customer and employee relationships, while 75% plan technology upgrades within the next...
By PYMNTS
News•Feb 16, 2026
Stablecoin Payments Show Up at Checkout Despite Crypto Markets Slump
Despite a broad crypto market downturn, stablecoin‑linked cards are gaining traction at U.S. checkout counters. Monthly payment flows through these cards have surpassed $1.5 billion, and annualized spend now tops $18 billion. The growth is driven by card networks embedding stablecoins as...
By PYMNTS
News•Feb 16, 2026
INTERVIEW: Why Independent Retailers Are Surviving on Service, Speed and Sheer Grit
Matt Sweeting, managing director of Claytons, explains how independent clothing retailers survive amid cost inflation and heightened competition from multichannel giants. He highlights that rising expenses, cautious shoppers, and pressure to match discounting and fast delivery erode margins, but superior...
By InternetRetailing
Social•Feb 16, 2026
Ecom Founders Turn Netflix Breaks Into Competitor Intel
Everyone watching Netflix: What should I watch? Ecom founders watching Netflix: Analyzing competitor ads during commercial breaks. Different mindset. Different life.
By Kamil Sattar
News•Feb 16, 2026
Q&A with Shaunacy Burne, Corporate Donations Manager, Salvation Army Trading Company
Salvation Army Trading Company (SATCoL) is the charitable trading arm of The Salvation Army, helping UK retailers divert surplus stock, returns and textiles into reuse and recycling streams. Corporate Donations Manager Shaunacy Burne explains that SATCoL tailors take‑back programmes with...
By The Retail Bulletin
News•Feb 16, 2026
Co-Op Introduces Member Pricing on Just Eat
Co‑op has become the first convenience retailer to offer member‑only pricing on Just Eat, extending its quick‑commerce service to more than 1,000 stores. Shoppers can now order everyday essentials such as baked beans, milk, spaghetti and British bacon with reduced...
By The Retail Bulletin
News•Feb 16, 2026
Inside the Retail Impact of the Wuthering Heights Revival
Emerald Fennell’s upcoming *Wuthering Heights* film has sparked a retail wave, driving U.S. print sales eight‑fold and UK sales up 469 percent in January. Warner Bros. pre‑emptively signed 35 brand partners, turning the novel into a multi‑category merchandising engine. Fast‑fashion giant...
By Inside Retail Australia
Blog•Feb 16, 2026
Types of User Surveys and How To Use Them Effectively
In this episode Shannon Mullery explains what user surveys are and why they’re essential for continuous feedback in business. She breaks down the two main data types—qualitative and quantitative—and maps them to survey formats such as CSAT, NPS, CES, SUS,...
By eCommerce Fastlane
News•Feb 16, 2026
What Keeps Singapore’s Retail Growth Resilient?
Singapore’s retail sector has quietly outperformed expectations, delivering a 12.3% inflation‑adjusted sales increase over the past decade while the population grew 10.4%. Excluding automotive sales, non‑auto retail rose 11.8% since 2019, translating to a healthy 0.7% annual per‑capita gain. Mall...
By Inside Retail Australia
News•Feb 15, 2026
Diamonds-USA.com: Luxury Jewelry. Personal Attention. Real Trust
Diamonds‑USA, founded by gemologist David Braverman in 1997, blends boutique‑level service with an online platform to sell certified diamonds and custom jewelry. The company’s hand‑checked ordering process and 100% money‑back guarantee have produced a near‑zero return rate, a rarity in...
By Retail Insider Canada
Blog•Feb 15, 2026
Content Automation Tools: How To Automate Content Strategy
The episode breaks down content automation, explaining how AI‑driven tools can streamline every stage of a content marketer’s workflow—from keyword research and clustering with platforms like Semrush, to AI‑generated copy and visuals using ChatGPT and image generators, through editing with...
By eCommerce Fastlane
Blog•Feb 15, 2026
How to Optimize Your Shopify Store for UCP Checkout and AI-Driven Order
The episode walks Shopify merchants through enabling AI‑driven checkout using the Unified Checkout Protocol (UCP), explaining how the state machine differs from traditional linear checkout and why clear, structured error messages are crucial. It outlines the core capabilities every store...
By eCommerce Fastlane
Blog•Feb 15, 2026
Scaling Service Operations: What Shopify Brands Can Learn From Dubai’s PropTech Boom
In this episode Steve Hutt shows Shopify founders how to scale service operations by borrowing a four‑phase playbook from Dubai’s PropTech boom. He highlights how technology adoption—AI pricing, predictive maintenance, and integrated dashboards—removes friction, while retention‑first strategies, data‑driven decision making,...
By eCommerce Fastlane
Social•Feb 15, 2026
Break Category Norms: Market Water Like an Energy Drink
Liquid Death made $100M selling water with ONE differentiator: marketing it like an energy drink brand. Meanwhile you're trying to 'fit in' your category. That's the gap.
By Kamil Sattar
Social•Feb 15, 2026
Nathan James Dominates Furniture Search; Rivals Must Step Up
Nathan James is just dominating furniture search. To the point that it’s annoying. Hat tip to that team. The rest of the furniture industry needs to step (stool) it up.
By Taylor Holiday
Blog•Feb 15, 2026
How to Structure Your Shopify Product Data for AI Agents: The Complete Optimization Guide
In this episode, Steve Hutt walks Shopify merchants through a complete framework for structuring product data so AI agents like ChatGPT, Claude, and Perplexity can understand, recommend, and even complete purchases. He explains the AI evaluation process, prioritizes Tier 1 and...
By eCommerce Fastlane
Social•Feb 15, 2026
Free 6‑hour Dropshipping Masterclass From $40M Expert
Beginners Complete Dropshipping Tutorial for 2026 (6+ Hour Guide) WATCH HERE 👉 https://t.co/OD9B0yp5lN With 10 years of experience in Ecom and Shopify Dropshipping & almost $40 million in revenue, I've condensed everything you need to know to start today in this...
By Kamil Sattar
Blog•Feb 15, 2026
How Shopify Bundles Drive 55% AOV Increases: The Complete Bundle Strategy Guide
In this episode, the host breaks down how strategic product bundling on Shopify can lift average order value (AOV) by up to 55% and boost revenue per user by 86%, using case studies like HiSmile, Coconu, and Maev. The discussion...
By eCommerce Fastlane
Social•Feb 15, 2026
Repeat Purchases Matter More than High Margins
I lost $13k on a tech gadget with 'insane margins.' Nobody bought it. I tested a consumable with thin margins. Scaled to $70k/month on repeat orders. The market doesn't care about your margin goals. It cares about repeat purchases. Test...
By Kamil Sattar